Tijuana Journalists Seek Justice on Anniversary of Colleagues' Murders
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for January 25, 2024.
‘Half justice is not justice’: Tijuana journalists remember slain colleagues and demand answers
By San Diego Union-Tribune’s Alexandra Mendoza.- Journalists in Tijuana held a vigil to mark the second anniversary of the murders of their colleagues, Lourdes Maldonado and Margarito Martínez, demanding justice as the masterminds remain at large. Maldonado was killed shortly after winning a labor dispute with a former governor. Three individuals have been sentenced for her murder, but the person behind the order remains unidentified. Similarly, Martínez's murder, believed to be a case of mistaken identity, has seen partial resolution with two convictions, but the intellectual author remains free. The collective of journalists, led by Sonia de Anda, expressed frustration over the ongoing impunity and incomplete investigations. Baja California's authorities pledge continued efforts, but the lack of closure in these high-profile cases reflects the broader challenge of journalist safety in Mexico, where 163 journalists have been murdered since 2000.
Arizona GOP chair resigns after tape released
By New York Times’s Kellen Browning.- Jeff DeWit, chair of the Arizona Republican Party, resigned following the release of a recording suggesting he attempted to bribe Kari Lake, a former gubernatorial candidate, to drop her 2024 Senate campaign. The conversation, published by The Daily Mail, captures DeWit implying pressure from "powerful people" to keep Lake out of the race and the idea of paying her to delay her political ambitions. Offended by the proposal, Lake firmly refused, asserting she could not be bought. DeWit accused Lake of releasing a selectively edited recording of a conversation at Lake's house and claimed he was unaware of being recorded. He denied the bribery accusations but admitted to regrettable statements. DeWit alleged Lake's team threatened him with releasing a more damaging recording unless he resigned, a claim Lake's team refuted. They insisted the tape showed DeWit's attempt to bribe Lake, defending their position in the controversy.
Baja California Officer Admits to Drug Charges in San Diego County
By City News Services.- Mizraim Berumen Gascon, a 36-year-old former member of the Baja California Citizen Security Force, pleaded guilty to drug charges in San Diego County. Arrested last fall by the county's sheriff’s deputies for methamphetamine importation and possession, Gascon faced scrutiny from the Baja California Department of Public Safety before his arrest. He admitted to violations related to the sale and transportation of controlled substances. His sentencing is scheduled for next month in Chula Vista. This case follows similar incidents involving Baja California officers in San Diego, highlighting a troubling pattern of drug-related offenses among law enforcement personnel.